The Case for Provincial Plastic Reform

Many Canadians are concerned about plastics pollution,
and governments at all levels are seeking ways to take meaningful action. Continuing
our work on finding solutions to plastics pollution problems, the ELC recently
helped clients Kids for a Plastic Free Canada call on BC to enact North
America’s most comprehensive controls on single-use plastics and related disposable
waste.

In addition to suggesting laws the province could develop,
the ELC report also underlines the need to help communities and businesses deal
with the shift in production as well as changes in behaviour that are necessary
to effectively reduce plastic pollution. Laws and policies will help guide the
way, but governments, producers, businesses, and consumers must work together
to support the development of innovative solutions.

Establish a single-use item reduction strategy
that includes a broad ban on certain products;

Reduce the volume and use of disposable food and
beverage containers and encourage, support and facilitate systems that help
retailers provide convenient and practical re-use of take-out containers;

Create partnerships to transition away from a
throw-away society through investment in collaborative initiatives, encouraging
innovated technologies to replace single-use plastic items, supporting public
education programs and consulting with businesses to assist in the transition
away from unnecessary waste; and